Thursday, 15 August 2019

In reply to  Mr QUILTY (Northern Victoria) (5 June 2019)

Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Roads, Minister for Road Safety and the TAC, Minister for Fishing and Boating):

The Yarrawonga–Mulwala Bridge is an important connection and we are working closely with our NSW counterparts to ensure the crossing is safe and reliable for local communities and visitors.

The Murray River Crossings Investment Priority Assessment was released in September 2018. The intent of this Assessment was to help inform and prioritise future investment decisions.

This Assessment determined that the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Bridge is a medium term (5-10 year) priority for future investment, because compared to other crossings along the Murray River:

• it is in fair condition;

• it meets safety standards;

• it is not on a strategic freight route;

• it allows B double access (freight productivity);

• an acceptable alternative route is available in the event of planned or unplanned bridge closures (Federation Bridge); and

• it provides crossing facilities suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

The assessment was based on the weir crossing being closed and all traffic using Yarrawonga-Mulwala Bridge. The existing bridge has the capacity to cater for increased traffic once the weir crossing closes.

The bridge will continue to be maintained in a serviceable condition to ensure connectivity between the towns of Mulwala and Yarrawonga.